Chap. II. DISPUTE— RECONCILIATION. 29 
Kapiti, in order to be present at a grand tatigi, or 
mourning feast, over the death of a sister of Rauperaha, 
the great chief at that place. He explained to us that 
every one would cry very much, and that then there 
vi^ould be much kai kai or feasting. He was accom- 
panied by a large retinue ; some of whom had come with 
him in the morning to visit the Ngatihinatui. The 
war-canoes belonged to his party. He seemed much 
inclined to stop on board, and talked to us of the 
quarrel with great indifference. He asserted, though, 
that we ought to pay for the tapu ; but suggested as 
an amendment, that the utu, or " payment," should be 
handed to him instead of " Dogskin." We therefore 
concluded that the demand was altogether unjust, and 
a mere bullying attempt at extortion. 
Te TVetu appeared to be about sixty years old, but 
he was still wiry and strong. He was very amusing 
and fond of conversation. He told us all about his 
place, Rangitoto, which means "blood- coloured sky," 
and expressed his hope that we should pay it a visit. 
He declared himself " no missionary/' and said he had 
four wives, the fifth having lately died. Having in- 
quired how many the Kings of England had, he laughed 
heartily at finding that they were not so well provided, 
and repeatedly counted "four wahine" (women) on 
his fingers. We gave the natives a small present 
of tobacco, recovered the scan, and soon restored 
friendship, as they had become tired of being excluded 
from their market on board. Te TVetu took kindly 
to the cabin-table, where covers were always laid for 
him and Ngarewa^ family, who had taken no part 
whatever in the disturbances. The natives were rather 
puzzled at our display of force, and my uncle's firmness 
on the occasion excited general respect among them. 
They had previously described us as a missionary ship ; 
